August 23, 2013

The American Red Cross, Florida's Southern Gulf Region, and Lee County Emergency Management will be holding a free public Shelter Management Training Saturday, Aug. 24, at Island Coast High School in Cape Coral.

This event is open to the public. Providing a safe and pleasant environment for people who leave their homes during and after a disaster can be challenging, but the benefits can be tremendous.

The training prepares volunteers to assist in setting up a shelter; registering shelter residents; receiving and setting up materials and food for residents; and managing shelter operations. Participants will come away with a broad understanding of shelter volunteer roles and responsibilities while also gaining a new shelter management skill set.

Additional participating agencies include the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Emergency Medical Services, All Lee Emergency Response Team and The Center for Independent Living.

Red Cross will provide lunch to all participants.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shelter operations is from 9 a.m. to noon, and shelter management will be discussed from 1-3 p.m.

To register for the program, please contact Sam Harvey at sharvey@leegov.com or 239.533.0615.